Press Release

PUC OKs Agreement for Lower Rate Increase than Requested by United Water

Published on 7/20/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved an agreement for a lower rate increase than requested by United Water of Pennsylvania Inc.

Under the settlement, United Water will raise rates by about $5.9 million (25 percent). The bill for an average residential customer using about 5,000 gallons a month will go from $27.33 a month to $34.18 a month, according to the settlement. The company’s original proposal called for a rate increase of about $7.5 million (32.4 percent) with average residential bills increasing to about $36.11 a month.

United Water cannot file for another general rate increase before June 1, 2008, according to the settlement, which was reached between the company, the state’s Office of Consumer Advocate, the state’s Office of Small Business Advocate and the Commission’s Office of Trial Staff.

United Water serves more than 150,000 people in 40 municipalities in Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Luzerne, Perry, Schuylkill, Wyoming and York counties. The company said the primary reason for the rate increase is the substantial cost of the improvements to the Sixth Street, Harrisburg, and Hummelstown treatment plants.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as stewards of competition. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. R-00051186

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